Detectives trust their sense of smell in huge drug bust

Picayune Police Narcotics Division Detectives were conducting proactive patrols on January 31, 2019, at approximately 1:41 p.m., when they smelled a strong odor of what appeared to Marijuana emitting from the front yard of 620 Richard Street according to a press release from Assistant Police Chief Dustin Moeller.

According to Moeller’s press release, Detectives observed a suspect sitting in a white car in the driveway and when they attempted to make contact with the suspect, identified as Eric Deshawn Raymond Vaughn, age 24, of 616 Richard Street, Picayune, MS.

When the Detectives approached the vehicle with Vaughn sitting in it, Vaughn exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Detectives and Patrol Officers pursued Vaughn on foot and he was apprehended a short time later in a wooded area located to the west of the residence.

Upon conducting a search of the vehicle Vaughn was previously occupying, Detectives located a large clear plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance believed to be Crystal Methamphetamine, two clear plastic bags containing a green leafy substance believed to be Hydroponic Marijuana, and a clear plastic bag containing several multi-colored pills believed to be Ecstasy in the front center console of the vehicle according to Moeller’s press release.

Vaughn was placed under arrest for Trafficking in a Controlled Substances, two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute within 1500 feet of a Church, and Resisting Arrest by Fleeing. Moeller’s press release states that Vaughn was transported to the Criminal Justice Center, booked on the said charges, and incarcerated.

Moeller stated that the approximate street value of the Methamphetamine was $4,500.00, the Ecstasy’s street value was approximately $500.00, and the Marijuana’s street value was approximately $480.00.